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Finally, there’s some agreement on California’s $45 billion high speed rail project. On Thursday, the State Senate voted in support of AB619, which should hit Governor Schwarzenegger’s desk no later than next week. The new law states that companies seeking to win a contract with the state over the construction of the new rail line must disclose whether, 65 years ago, they were involved in any way with the transportation of Jews and others to Nazi concentration or death camps.

In 2009, San Jose decided that one of the best ways to become energy independent was to be the first city in the U.S. to generate its electricity through an organics-to-energy biogas facility. This vision will come a step closer when the city receives a $1.9 million grant from the California Energy Commission to construct a biomethane production demonstration project.

Twenty-five years ago, Berryessa might still have been considered the fruit basket of Santa Clara County—one of the last parts of the Valley to succumb to development. Even today there are a few agricultural holdouts nestled throughout the neighborhood. Of course, most of these plots have been transformed into suburban single-family homes. It’s a young, diverse neighborhood, with seven schools and its own school district. And now may be a good time to be shopping for a home in Berryessa.

Throughout its history, more than almost any other big jazz festival, San Jose Jazz fest’s mission has been to present a diverse array of styes. That tradition continues in 2010. Nevertheless, for some of us, the hottest attractions are the edgier, more obscure (I hesitate to say) “jazzier” sets.

Desserts are not Silicon Valley’s strong suit. Mediocre crème brûlée, ho-hum sliced chocolate cake and uninspired, oversweetened fruit desserts abound. But dig a little deeper, and one can find a few outposts of creativity, such as Saratoga’s Sent Sovi, Ruffled Feathers Eatery in downtown San Jose, and Tigelleria in Campbell.

Two San Jose men appeared in court yesterday over ownership of an 840 lb. monster emerald found in the emerald forests of the Amazon. The enormous, 180,000 carat rock was first found in Brazil in 2001. At the time, a mining expert from San Jose named Ken Conetto allegedly made an agreement with the actual miners that proceeds from the sale of the rock would be split between them. He says they shook on it, and that was that.

The San Jose Municipal Rose Garden was placed on probation just five years ago by All-America Rose Selections, a nationwide association of rose growers. Yesterday, it was named “America’s Best Rose Garden.” It’s quite an achievement considering that parks and gardens have been pruned in the budget during these difficult economic times. The award citation praises the garden for its “beauty” and “creativity,” but no less for its “overall contribution to the community.”

The monstrosity that is California’s 15th state Senate District stretches over strategic portions of Santa Clara County, Monterey County, Santa Cruz County and San Luis Obispo County, clear into Santa Barbara County. And for many, including the Democratic former assemblymember running to represent the district, this poster child for bizarre gerrymandering is a good illustration of everything that’s wrong with California politics.

When Morrissey blew off his single Bay Area appearance last year, who was there to take one for the team? This Charming Band, this area’s premier Smiths tribute band—aw hell, let’s just go ahead and say it: the best Smiths tribute band anywhere, period.

This year’s San Jose Jazz Festival features everything from funk gods George Clinton, Maceo Parker and Tower of Power, to a whole stage devoted to blues, to salsa, to…oh, yeah, jazz! Besides the Mothership landing, highlights to watch for include bassist and producer Marcus Miller performing the music of Miles Davis.